News

£9m more cuts at town hall

HUNDREDS more jobs could be lost at Bolton Council after it was revealed Town Hall chiefs will have to make a further £9 million of cuts.

Local authority leaders have also warned there could be a rise in council tax bills as they try to save £43 million.

Bolton’s ruling cabinet is due to approve a £34.6 million cuts programme — including the loss of 486 posts and service cuts — when it meets on Monday.

But following further reductions in government grants, the cabinet will also be asked to approve a further £9 million in cuts when it meets on February 11.

A report to Town Hall bosses warns finding the additional £9 million will be “very difficult” with council tax rises and the loss of up to 220 more posts among the options.

Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris said: “We’re cutting to the bone now and people are going to feel the impact.

“It will be very challenging, there are no two ways about it.

“People will see services disappear. Once we’re down to this we can’t say we can keep giving this level of service.

“The government are acting like we don’t exist.”

If the job losses cannot be avoided it means the council will shed 712 posts between 2013 and 2015 in addition to the 833 axed over the past two years.

This means the local authority — Bolton’s biggest employer — will have lost 1,539 jobs, more than a quarter of its entire workforce, since cuts began in 2010.

Prime Minister David Cameron had called for national freeze in council tax bills and the government has offered Bolton Council a £1 million grant if it agrees not to increase tax this year.

But this offer could be rejected and an increase brought in — a rise which the borough’s Conservative group has vowed to oppose.

Cllr David Greenhalgh, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: ” Any reduction in posts is regrettable but there are other alternatives to job losses, which we, the Conservatives, would look at, such as a one-off use of some of the council’s reserves, more joint working with neighbouring authorities and a reduction in the amount of agency staff the council uses.”

“There is no doubt these cuts will affect services and threaten jobs, but we must remember that nationally Labour aren’t offering any alternative to them.

“There may well be a case for an increase in council tax to mitigate the problems, but that is a decision that can only be taken nearer the date of setting the council’s budget.”

Of the 486 posts which could be axed following Monday’s meeting, up to 240 are already classed as “vacant”, but some are currently filled by agency staff.

The other 246 are filled by council employees but since consultation began in early September, only 150 have offered to accept voluntary redundancy, meaning the council could be forced to implement compulsory job losses for the first time — a move unions have pledged to oppose in the past.

Bernadette Gallagher, Bolton Unison Branch Secretary, said: “We are really concerned about any further job losses and the potential impact on the services that the people of Bolton rely on and also on the morale of the remaining staff.

“We are told that the town centre will receive an economic boost through centralisation of services and the closure of various satellite offices. In reality, fewer people working for the council means less money spent in the local economy.”

Sean Warren, GMB Convenor for Bolton, added: “Any further job losses will be a terrible blow to our town.

“The politicians in Westminster who make decisions about the millions that Bolton Council is expected to save won’t see the consequences.

“The reality is that major job cuts mean services will get worse and the local economy will suffer with even more boarded up shops.”

If both sets of cuts are approved by cabinet the council’s budget and council tax will need to be approved by full council on February 20.

Comments (15)

if there are no staff left to deliver any services whatsoever, what is the point in having a Council? Why don't we amalgamate with, say, Bury or Wigan, and try to run a service with both lots of cash available.

if there are no staff left to deliver any services whatsoever, what is the point in having a Council? Why don't we amalgamate with, say, Bury or Wigan, and try to run a service with both lots of cash available.oftbewildered2

I see Cliff is moaning once again if they want to save money why not get rid of over-bloated Councilors who get loads of free goodies ie lap tops, free internet and phone, free mobile phones including calls (some have even lost them and had them replaced, free parking and the list goes on most of them are retired so use the bloody free bus pass you have. The Council have more Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Managers, Team leaders. Bosses than some small Countries. Look at the hundreds of thousands of pounds the Council has spent on Consultants over the past 10 years. Why have all these bosses when they could get rid of them and just employ a couple of permanent consultants. Plus winging Cliff helps deplete the money pot by getting excessive wages for doing very little work himself the Bolton Hospital was a good example. Come on you tight fisted Councilors give up some of your goodies and help some front line staff keep their jobs.

I see Cliff is moaning once again if they want to save money why not get rid of over-bloated Councilors who get loads of free goodies ie lap tops, free internet and phone, free mobile phones including calls (some have even lost them and had them replaced, free parking and the list goes on most of them are retired so use the bloody free bus pass you have. The Council have more Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Managers, Team leaders. Bosses than some small Countries. Look at the hundreds of thousands of pounds the Council has spent on Consultants over the past 10 years. Why have all these bosses when they could get rid of them and just employ a couple of permanent consultants. Plus winging Cliff helps deplete the money pot by getting excessive wages for doing very little work himself the Bolton Hospital was a good example. Come on you tight fisted Councilors give up some of your goodies and help some front line staff keep their jobs.8cup49

If the Council can run a service with fewer staff - as will be required - then surely the good folk of Bolton should be entitled to a refund for over-payment of earlier service?

Council is an employer with employyes. They need to get on with their responsibilities, it's got nothing to do with unions who serve only to whip up all sorts of panic and problem affecting others.

Sooner the council service is run privately the better, if financial performance is the measure of delivery.

If the Council can run a service with fewer staff - as will be required - then surely the good folk of Bolton should be entitled to a refund for over-payment of earlier service?
Council is an employer with employyes. They need to get on with their responsibilities, it's got nothing to do with unions who serve only to whip up all sorts of panic and problem affecting others.
Sooner the council service is run privately the better, if financial performance is the measure of delivery.exiled

Put a foot up the ar*e of the idiot that stated the council will be bringing 20,000 council staff to Bolton TC to eat food in the restaurants. *oh what a laugh*

Maybe this is really to with the 10 million overhaul?

How the hell can service get any worse than what they already are? The town will simply be un-managable, It's ridiculous to think that the MP's believe that they should be paid 30% more than they do because they think they do a fantastic and difficult job.

This could be rectified in quick time... get the banks to pay up for their past fraudulent **** ups, get those tax avoiding business to pay up their fair share and stop penalizing the people who:

1. Have bailed out some of those banks with tax money.
2. Have already been kicked from pillar to post financially.
3. Get rid of the immigrant skivers who do not speak English, will never speak English, will never get a job or sit on their backsides waiting for benefits because of health reasons and start looking after the people (including the immigrants that do do a great service here) who have been for now too long suffering because of the government's and banksters mistakes.

This who economic b*llocks is really starting to irritate, not just me but millions of people. How far before the tipping point?

We the people are being punished for another's mistakes and crimes. These cuts to services that people need are for example like putting Mr Morris in jail for the crimes of Ted Bundy.

This council are a diabolical shambles, the Conservatives or Lib Dems will do no better with the finances they will get from our cronie capitalist government.

What to do? Hmmmmmm What to do?

Maybe it will actually all get sorted out after people have our own little British Spring... I really just do not know???

Put a foot up the ar*e of the idiot that stated the council will be bringing 20,000 council staff to Bolton TC to eat food in the restaurants. *oh what a laugh*
Maybe this is really to with the 10 million overhaul?
How the hell can service get any worse than what they already are? The town will simply be un-managable, It's ridiculous to think that the MP's believe that they should be paid 30% more than they do because they think they do a fantastic and difficult job.
This could be rectified in quick time... get the banks to pay up for their past fraudulent **** ups, get those tax avoiding business to pay up their fair share and stop penalizing the people who:
1. Have bailed out some of those banks with tax money.
2. Have already been kicked from pillar to post financially.
3. Get rid of the immigrant skivers who do not speak English, will never speak English, will never get a job or sit on their backsides waiting for benefits because of health reasons and start looking after the people (including the immigrants that do do a great service here) who have been for now too long suffering because of the government's and banksters mistakes.
This who economic b*llocks is really starting to irritate, not just me but millions of people. How far before the tipping point?
We the people are being punished for another's mistakes and crimes. These cuts to services that people need are for example like putting Mr Morris in jail for the crimes of Ted Bundy.
This council are a diabolical shambles, the Conservatives or Lib Dems will do no better with the finances they will get from our cronie capitalist government.
What to do? Hmmmmmm What to do?
Maybe it will actually all get sorted out after people have our own little British Spring... I really just do not know???Beyond News Forum

And you could consider leaving the country - perhaps Pakistan might welcome you into their social security regime?

What are the services that people need exactly?
Do you pay any tax "Beyond News Forum"?
And you could consider leaving the country - perhaps Pakistan might welcome you into their social security regime?Citizen Cane

And you could consider leaving the country - perhaps Pakistan might welcome you into their social security regime?

I think services include clleansing, waste disposal, pest control, environmental services, highways, street lighting, business tax, schools, social care, markets, consumer advice, licencing, libraries and museum (no comments re this please, there is still a service of sorts). Just look at the Council website for a full list.

[quote][p][bold]Citizen Cane[/bold] wrote:
What are the services that people need exactly?
Do you pay any tax "Beyond News Forum"?
And you could consider leaving the country - perhaps Pakistan might welcome you into their social security regime?[/p][/quote]I think services include clleansing, waste disposal, pest control, environmental services, highways, street lighting, business tax, schools, social care, markets, consumer advice, licencing, libraries and museum (no comments re this please, there is still a service of sorts). Just look at the Council website for a full list.oftbewildered2

exiled wrote:
If the Council can run a service with fewer staff - as will be required - then surely the good folk of Bolton should be entitled to a refund for over-payment of earlier service?

Council is an employer with employyes. They need to get on with their responsibilities, it's got nothing to do with unions who serve only to whip up all sorts of panic and problem affecting others.

Sooner the council service is run privately the better, if financial performance is the measure of delivery.

Are you serious? It's about providing a service to the community first and foremost, not the bottom line. Any private company would want to pay dividends to shareholders and generate profits for its investors. The whole philosophy is different. The point being made here is that council services CANNOT be provided in the way they have been previously because of cuts, so your point about a refund is completely fatuous.

[quote][p][bold]exiled[/bold] wrote:
If the Council can run a service with fewer staff - as will be required - then surely the good folk of Bolton should be entitled to a refund for over-payment of earlier service?
Council is an employer with employyes. They need to get on with their responsibilities, it's got nothing to do with unions who serve only to whip up all sorts of panic and problem affecting others.
Sooner the council service is run privately the better, if financial performance is the measure of delivery.[/p][/quote]Are you serious? It's about providing a service to the community first and foremost, not the bottom line. Any private company would want to pay dividends to shareholders and generate profits for its investors. The whole philosophy is different. The point being made here is that council services CANNOT be provided in the way they have been previously because of cuts, so your point about a refund is completely fatuous.myfanwy7

Thinking that people are missing the point as it seems easier to just rant about the council in general.
These are the jobs of the people who sweep our streets and move dead dogs, theyre the people who deliver community meals to oaps, they are the people who aren't paid mega-bucks but who keep our town going..

We haven't seen or experienced what impact will happen but sure as eggs are eggs these cuts and job losses are going to impact on everyone in some way.....

Thinking that people are missing the point as it seems easier to just rant about the council in general.
These are the jobs of the people who sweep our streets and move dead dogs, theyre the people who deliver community meals to oaps, they are the people who aren't paid mega-bucks but who keep our town going..
We haven't seen or experienced what impact will happen but sure as eggs are eggs these cuts and job losses are going to impact on everyone in some way.....Craine1998

Thinking that people are missing the point as it seems easier to just rant about the council in general.
These are the jobs of the people who sweep our streets and move dead dogs, theyre the people who deliver community meals to oaps, they are the people who aren't paid mega-bucks but who keep our town going..

We haven't seen or experienced what impact will happen but sure as eggs are eggs these cuts and job losses are going to impact on everyone in some way.....

Thinking that people are missing the point as it seems easier to just rant about the council in general.
These are the jobs of the people who sweep our streets and move dead dogs, theyre the people who deliver community meals to oaps, they are the people who aren't paid mega-bucks but who keep our town going..
We haven't seen or experienced what impact will happen but sure as eggs are eggs these cuts and job losses are going to impact on everyone in some way.....Craine1998

And you could consider leaving the country - perhaps Pakistan might welcome you into their social security regime?

I do not understand your poke at me *shrugs*

However, yes to tax, of course I do... and I have paid more than enough over the years.

Move out of the UK?

Done that been there, several times, circumstances have seen me arrive back here. But I can tell you for sure that this town and much of the north is an absolute cr*phole. I am awaiting the opportunity for my family and myself to get the hell out of dodge.

[quote][p][bold]Citizen Cane[/bold] wrote:
What are the services that people need exactly?
Do you pay any tax "Beyond News Forum"?
And you could consider leaving the country - perhaps Pakistan might welcome you into their social security regime?[/p][/quote]I do not understand your poke at me *shrugs*
However, yes to tax, of course I do... and I have paid more than enough over the years.
Move out of the UK?
Done that been there, several times, circumstances have seen me arrive back here. But I can tell you for sure that this town and much of the north is an absolute cr*phole. I am awaiting the opportunity for my family and myself to get the hell out of dodge.Beyond News Forum